The Chronicle

GoFundMe up to save Luna

- Tom Gillespie tom.gillespie@thechronic­le.com.au

TOOWOOMBA residents have opened their hearts to help save a therapy dog’s life, with a GoFundMe campaign already raising nearly $3000 for Luna the staffy.

Gabi Crispin-Purcell, who rescued Luna from the pound as a puppy and took her to nursing homes and other facilities as a visiting dog, was shocked to find out last month that her pooch had a heart murmur.

“They basically said that the condition she has is potentiall­y fixable and then we found out the pricing of it,” she said.

“I’d like to see her in surgery within the first couple of weeks – without it, she might only have six months.”

Vets put the surgery at $10,000, which was more than Ms Crispin-Purcell could afford.

But virtual strangers have given Luna a chance, raising nearly a third of the money needed within 10 days.

“We’re going really well, thanks to the GoFundMe and other people who have donated in person,” Ms Crispin-Purcell said, thanking everyone who had donated.

Luna made for a perfect visitor and therapy dog for older residents and those with disabiliti­es because of her gentle nature and good temperamen­t.

“I was doing tour visits, we went to schools, after school care and vacation care, into aged care homes,” Ms Crispin-Purcell said.

She’s very friendly and loving – she will love everybody and everything.”

To donate, head to www.gofundme.com/savelunash­eart.

 ?? PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE­D ?? Toowoomba’s Gabi Crispin-Purcell with staffy Luna.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE­D Toowoomba’s Gabi Crispin-Purcell with staffy Luna.

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